Teenagers have always been stereotyped as moody and angsty. Everyone has a mental image of the typical emo kid, or a rebellious adolescent with an overly pessimistic view of life. Parents, educators, and even teenagers themselves may think a gloomy outlook or a turbulent emotional life as a regular part of growing up. However, teenage depression is a serious condition and is a very real problem. Because of the many misconceptions and stereotypes about teenagers, teenage depression is often unrecognized, underdiagnosed, and thus untreated. If you think you or someone you know has depression, it is best to seek professional help right away.
Just like in adults, teenage depression is a mood disorder wherein a depressed mood, along with other signs and symptoms, is severe enough to have a noticeable, negative impact on your life. A teenager with depression may have trouble with daily activities, dealing with his or her friends, or carrying out responsibilities in school and at home. However, the difference between teenage depression and adults with clinical depression lies in how they present with some of their signs and symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of teenage depression
Although extreme, prolonged feelings of sadness and hopelessness are important indicators of clinical depression, teenagers may not appear as such. Teenagers may show the usual signs of depressed mood, such as frequent bouts of crying, or reporting feeling sad and empty. However, teenagers will more often exhibit aggressive or irritable behavior. They may be cranky or hostile, especially when asked about how they are feeling. Teenagers with depression may also have noticeable problems with parents and other authority figures. They may be extremely disrespectful to teachers and disruptive in class. This behavior should raise a red flag, especially if a teenager was previously well-behaved.
Teenagers with clinical depression also show a noticeable lack of interest in hobbies and daily activities, just like depressed adults. A depressed teenager may quit clubs and extracurricular activities, or suddenly stop participating in sports or other hobbies that he or she enjoyed before.
Feelings of worthlessness and guilt are common to people who suffer from clinical depression, regardless of their age group. However, depressed teenagers may express their feelings of low self-worth by being unable to handle any kind of criticism. They may be unable to cope with rejection, especially in social situations such as dating. Teenagers with clinical depression may also find it difficult to deal with failure in both academics and extracurricular activities.
Depressed teenagers also tend to withdraw socially, similar to adults with depression. However, a teenager with depression may not totally withdraw. Instead, he or she may choose to limit his or her circle of friends. Depressed teenagers may also socialize with friends but avoid talking to family members, especially parents. A teenager with depression may also drop his or her old set of friends and start spending time with an entirely different group of people.
Although adults with depression may also feel physical symptoms, depressed teenagers may experience aches and pains more frequently. They may report feeling headaches and dizziness, or complain of suffering from an upset stomach. It is also common for a teenager to complain about muscle, joint, and back pains. These complaints should not be dismissed as being merely growing pains. If no medical cause can be found for the physical symptoms of a teenager, a mood disorder such as depression may be responsible.
Consequences of teenage depression
If left untreated, depression can have a debilitating effect on the life of a teenager. The signs and symptoms of depression already cause a drastic negative impact on a teenager. A teenager suffering with depression will experience a negative impact on their ability to socialize, friends and opportunities for recreation are limited. Depression also contributes to a decline in school performance. A low energy level, an inability to concentrate, and a lack of interest are all factors in a depressed teenager having low grades or even outright failing. Behavioral problems and trouble dealing with authority further add to a poor academic record.
Many depressed teenagers indulge in self-destructive behavior in an attempt to feel better. Some abuse drugs or alcohol in order to relieve their depressed mood. Others, struggling with their feelings, engage in risky, unsafe sexual practices. There are also teenagers who endanger their lives with thrill-seeking behavior, such as reckless driving or pulling off unsafe stunts. There are also depressed teenagers who take out their negative feelings on others, becoming threatening or violent.
Teenagers with clinical depression are often preoccupied with death or dying. Just like adults, they may have thoughts or even concrete plans of suicide. They may do things like give away their treasured possessions to friends, hoard medication, or put themselves in life-threatening situations. Teenagers who mention suicide or talk about killing themselves should always be taken seriously. If you or someone you know has plans of suicide, seek professional help immediately.
Dealing with teenage depression
The most important step in dealing with a depressed teenager is recognizing the problem and talking to them about it. When talking to them, they should always know that their loved ones are not judging them, and that they have the full support of their family. It is important for teenagers to trust in their friends and family so that they can all work together to seek appropriate help.